Local perceptions of foodscapes and their representation in visual and texts: A visual content analysis of photography in Japanese coastal area

Abstract

The term “foodscape” has recently gained prominence in academic discourse, fostering interdisciplinary research into the relationship between food and local environments. This study focuses on the material aspect of foodscapes and aims to clarify how local residents perceive them. We also analyze differences between visual and textual expressions. Targeting university students in the coastal area of Japan, Ishinomaki district, Miyagi Prefecture, the research employs visual materials (photographs) and textual responses (questionnaire).

First, focusing on landscape aspects of foodscape—particularly visual views—we conducted photo-based analysis based on expert judgement using visual parameters: visual object, viewpoint, visual distance, and perspective. Participants photographed scenes associated with “foodscapes.” Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) categorized images into five types. Results showed relationships between food categories and photo composition, but seafood—an important local industry—appeared across almost all types regardless of visual parameters.

Second, comparative analysis of photographs and textual responses elucidated how food and place are jointly imagined in local foodscapes. Compared with a preliminary survey of regional specialties and landmarks, photographs showed decreased seafood imagery and increased restaurant and retail scenes, mostly in urban areas. Findings suggest that when foodscapes are visually expressed through non-verbal media such as photography, imagery emphasizes familiar daily settings—particularly sites related to food production and distribution—rather than iconic regional foods or tourist landmarks.

The analytical perspective of this study provides a framework for developing context-sensitive approaches reflecting residents’ sense of place in food tourism, regional planning, and cultural landscape research.